A coalition government of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, the Regional Independents, and the Healy-Rae brothers is set to take power in Ireland. The programme for government outlining the government's direction and policies will be published this Wednesday, with Micheál Martin becoming Taoiseach. Key details include the Regional Independents securing two Super Junior Minister positions, the commitment to explore a savings account for newborns, and a potential change to the VAT rate for hospitality and food services.
The programme for government , setting the course for the incoming administration, will be unveiled this Wednesday afternoon. A coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, the Regional Independents, and the Healy-Rae brothers will assume power, with Micheál Martin assuming the role of Taoiseach when the Dáil reconvenes after the Christmas break next Wednesday.
While the full government programme remains tightly confidential, with senior negotiators emphasizing the importance of TDs within their respective parties reviewing the document directly rather than relying on media reports, some details have emerged. Notably, the Regional Independent Group has secured two Super Junior Minister positions within the Cabinet. Sean Canney and Noel Grealish will hold these roles, which grant cabinet meeting attendance but not responsibility for a full department. Marian Harkin and Kevin 'Boxer' Moran will serve as Junior Ministers.The formation talks witnessed some uncertainty surrounding the Healy-Rae brothers' participation. Initially seeking a Super Junior position, they were informed on Tuesday afternoon that their request would not be granted. However, it is now understood that they will be appointed as Junior Ministers in exchange for their support, bolstering the government's majority to 95, nine more than the required minimum. While speculation abounds regarding the specific ministerial roles and appointments, the only confirmed positions are Micheál Martin as Taoiseach and Simon Harris as Tánaiste. It is anticipated that Fianna Fáil will hold eight ministerial positions, while Fine Gael will have seven. The programme for government is expected to commit to delivering five budgets, culminating in an election in November 2029. A rotation of the Taoiseach role is anticipated around September 2027, potentially leading to Mr. Harris assuming the position for a period.The Irish Mirror understands that Mr. Harris will become Minister of Foreign Affairs, with trade operations potentially moving under this department. Infrastructure will receive a significant focus within the Department of Public Expenditure, although a standalone department, as Fine Gael had advocated for, will not be established. Similarly, Fianna Fáil's proposal for a separate Department for Domestic Affairs will not materialize, but a dedicated section will be incorporated within the Department of Justice. A notable development, hailed as a victory for Fine Gael, involves a potential change to the VAT rate for hospitality and food services. While sources indicate that the programme for government will not explicitly commit to a reduction in the VAT rate, there is agreement to implement this change in the upcoming budget. On RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Fine Gael negotiator Jennifer Carroll MacNeill indicated a commitment to abolish the carer's means test over a five-year term in government, subject to financial considerations. Fianna Fáil minister James Lawless, also appearing on the same programme, seemingly confirmed that the 2:1 spending ratio on roads, a key demand from the Greens in the previous programme for government, will not be maintained. He also appeared to confirm the establishment of a new transport police force. The Irish Mirror understands that the programme for government will include a commitment to explore the concept of a savings account for newborns, a proposal championed by Fine Gael during the election campaign.The programme for government, largely composed of the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil manifestos, is the culmination of five weeks of intensive negotiations. It will be presented to both parties this afternoon, initiating the ratification process. Fianna Fáil will convene a special Ard Fheis in Dublin on Sunday, while Fine Gael will conduct five regional meetings commencing Friday. Fine Gael TDs, Senators, and MEPs will cast their votes on Monday
IRELAND GOVERNMENT PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT MICHEÁL MARTIN SIMON HARRIS FINE GAEL FIANNA FÁIL REGIONAL INDEPENDENTS HEALY-RAE BROTHERS
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